Activision Confirms AI Use in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 After 'AI Slop' Backlash

Activision, the maker of Call of Duty, has officially acknowledged the use of generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6, following months of fan speculation and criticism. The controversy began in December, after the Season 1 Reloaded update, when fans spotted several signs of AI-generated content in the game's loading screens, calling cards, and explanatory art for Zombies community events.

The focal point of the backlash was a loading screen featuring Zombie Santa, dubbed 'Necroclaus.' Some fans pointed out that the undead Father Christmas appeared to have six fingers, a common flaw in images produced by generative AI. Another image, showcasing a new Zombies community event, featured a gloved hand with what seemed to be six fingers and no visible thumb, hinting at up to seven digits.

The Zombie Santa image prompted a deeper investigation into other images within Black Ops 6, leading to further scrutiny from the Call of Duty community. Redditor Shaun_LaDee identified three images in paid bundles that exhibited anomalies potentially indicating the use of generative AI.

Amid the 6 fingered Santa Controversy, I looked into some loading screens included in PAID bundles…
byu/Shaun_LaDee inCODZombies

In response to fan demands for transparency, particularly concerning AI-generated content in paid bundles, and following new AI disclosure rules on Steam, Activision has added a disclosure to Black Ops 6's Steam page. The disclosure states, "Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets."

This admission comes after Wired reported that Activision sold an "AI-generated cosmetic" for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in December 2023, within the Yokai’s Wrath bundle, without disclosing the use of AI. The bundle, which cost 1,500 COD Points (approximately $15), added to Activision's significant revenue from in-game purchases.

Wired also noted that following Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company laid off 1,900 staff from its gaming business. An anonymous Activision artist revealed that many 2D artists were let go, and remaining concept artists were required to use AI in their work. Employees were reportedly pressured to undergo AI training, with AI use being promoted throughout the organization.

The use of generative AI remains a contentious issue within the video game and entertainment industries, which have seen substantial layoffs recently. Critics have raised concerns over ethical and rights issues, as well as the quality of AI-generated content. For example, Keywords Studios' attempt to develop a game using entirely AI failed, with the company informing investors that AI could not replace human talent.